Craving fresh air, big views, and true elbow room without giving up easy access to skiing and lakes? If you are eyeing 80478 for a primary home or a mountain retreat, The Fairways at Pole Creek delivers space, convenience, and four-season recreation in one thoughtful community. In this guide, you will learn what daily life looks like, how the neighborhood is designed, what amenities and services you can expect, and the key buyer details to know before you make a move. Let’s dive in.
Where The Fairways fit in Grand County
Set along County Road 51 near Tabernash in Grand County, The Fairways at Pole Creek sits on the Fraser and Granby side of the Winter Park valley. You are within a short drive to Winter Park, Granby, Grand Lake, and Rocky Mountain National Park, which keeps your weekend options wide. The community is roughly 79 miles from Denver, a scenic Front Range-to-mountains trip many buyers make for long weekends or extended stays. You can learn more about the location and regional context on the neighborhood’s about page.
Space, privacy, and open land
The master plan centers on a low-density design that preserves the mountain feel. Homesites are large, with two-acre minimum lots and extensive preserved open space that maintains views and separation between homes. This is a deliberate planning choice aimed at a quieter, less crowded neighborhood experience. You can see this planning approach referenced on the community’s pricing materials at Fairways Pricing.
Year-round access and infrastructure
Living in the mountains works best when the basics are buttoned up. The Fairways highlights paved, county-maintained roads and underground utilities, including electric, natural gas, phone, and broadband. Several listings also reference fiber service in the area, which is a plus if you work remotely. For details on roads, utilities, and services, review the neighborhood’s amenities overview.
Wells and septic basics
Most lots will require a private well and septic system at build time. This is common for large-lot mountain communities. Be sure to confirm specific standards, inspection schedules, and design requirements in the HOA Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions and with Grand County environmental health.
Life around Pole Creek Golf Club
At the center of the neighborhood experience is Pole Creek Golf Club, a public 27-hole mountain facility with three distinct nines: The Ranch, The Meadow, and The Ridge. The course is known for elevation changes, broad views, and ridge-line vantage points that show off the valley. You can grab a table at Bistro 28 for year-round dining, turning a morning round into a relaxed lunch or meeting place. Even if you do not play, fairways and open turf add visual breathing room to the landscape.
Four-season recreation at your door
Nordic skiing at Snow Mountain Ranch
The Fairways sits next to YMCA of the Rockies’ Snow Mountain Ranch, which runs a major Nordic center. The network reports 82.5 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails across about 5,100 acres. Day passes, rentals, and programs make it easy to try cross-country skiing or fat biking without a long drive. Explore current offerings through the Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center.
Downhill days nearby
When you want lifts, Winter Park Resort is the area’s primary alpine mountain. Granby Ranch also offers nearby family-friendly terrain. With both options close, you can match your day to conditions and crowds.
Lakes and fishing
Summer brings boating and paddle days on Lake Granby and Grand Lake. Anglers enjoy the upper Colorado and Fraser systems near Granby and Tabernash, with Gold Medal trout waters drawing serious and casual fishers alike. For an overview of area fishing highlights, see this regional guide to Colorado River fishing near Winter Park.
Everyday convenience
The nearest full-service town for groceries and medical care is Granby. Winter Park and Fraser add more restaurants, shops, services, and seasonal transportation options. With paved, county-maintained roads, you have dependable access for residents and guests through the seasons, while still feeling removed from resort congestion.
Practical buyer notes
Travel from Denver
Plan for approximately 79 miles from Denver and a typical 1.5 to 2-hour drive depending on conditions. In winter, allow extra time and check CDOT updates before you head over. Many buyers find the trip ideal for long weekends or extended remote work stays.
HOA, covenants, and fees
The Fairways is governed by an HOA with design and covenant controls. Strong architectural standards help protect the look and feel of the neighborhood, including minimum home requirements and guidance around trees and fire-safety practices. Listings often show HOA dues in the 40 to 55 dollar per month range, though you should confirm the current schedule directly with the HOA or a recent MLS listing. Here is a representative example of HOA fee context from a local listing page.
Winter and wildfire readiness
Roads are county-maintained and snow-plowed, which is a key operational benefit at altitude. Fire safety is a regular part of mountain ownership in Grand County. Many owners pursue tree mitigation and defensible space as routine best practices. Review the HOA materials and county resources for the latest standards and insurance considerations.
Market snapshot
Neighborhood messaging notes that lot pricing often begins around the 300,000 dollar mark, with available homes starting near 2 million dollars. Actual listings and recent sales can stretch above or below those guideposts based on location, size, and finish level. Inventory is limited, so verify live pricing and availability through current MLS data and the neighborhood’s about page.
Seasons at a glance
- Summer: Morning golf rounds, mountain biking and hikes at Snow Mountain Ranch, lake days on Grand Lake and Lake Granby, and evening deck time at the clubhouse.
- Fall: Quieter trails, aspen color, cool nights, and shoulder-season hiking and fishing.
- Winter: Cross-country or fat-bike laps on groomed trails, downhill ski days at Winter Park or Granby Ranch, and cozy meals at Bistro 28. Roads are plowed, but plan travel around weather.
Altitude tips for newcomers
Tabernash sits around 8,300 to 8,400 feet above sea level. If you are new to high elevation, ease into activity on day one, drink plenty of water, and go easy on alcohol. Sunscreen is a must, even in winter. For general elevation context, you can reference regional topo data for Tabernash.
Build and design guidance
The HOA enforces architectural guidelines that keep the neighborhood cohesive and high quality. This typically includes review of exterior materials, massing, and minimum home standards that fit the mountain setting. Before you design, obtain the current CCRs and any submission checklists, then coordinate with your architect and builder so your plans meet community standards without delays.
Who the Fairways suit best
- You value space, privacy, and views over dense resort living.
- You want paved, plowed roads and reliable utilities that support remote work.
- You plan to play golf, ski Nordic and alpine, and spend time on nearby lakes.
- You prefer a design-forward community that protects long-term value.
Next steps
If The Fairways at Pole Creek aligns with your goals, start by clarifying your timeline, budget, and whether you are buying a lot to build or a move-in ready home. Then gather utility and site details for any lot you like, review the CCRs, and run a quick travel test from your home base to confirm the drive and winter routine meet your expectations.
When you are ready to explore available lots and homes, connect with Sanderson Real Estate for on-the-ground guidance, current pricing, and neighborhood expertise.
FAQs
How big are lots in The Fairways at Pole Creek?
- Lots have a minimum size of two acres, part of a low-density plan with extensive preserved open space.
Can you drive year-round within the community?
- Yes, roads are paved and county snow-plowed, though you should allow extra travel time during winter storms.
Is broadband reliable for remote work in 80478?
- The neighborhood advertises underground broadband and several listings reference fiber availability; verify exact providers and speeds by parcel address.
Do residents have access to Nordic skiing nearby?
- The community sits next to Snow Mountain Ranch, which operates a Nordic Center with day passes, rentals, and a large groomed trail network.
What are typical HOA dues in The Fairways at Pole Creek?
- Listings commonly show dues in the 40 to 55 dollar per month range, but you should confirm the current fee schedule with the HOA or a recent MLS listing.
How far is The Fairways at Pole Creek from Denver?
- It is roughly 79 miles, which typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on road and weather conditions.
